The Senate meets during a reduce sitting of Parliament amid the coronavirus pandemic. Source: AAP

The Senate has approved a committee chaired by Labor to scrutinise the federal government's coronavirus response.

UpdatedUpdated 08/04/2020

By
Tom Stayner

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A Senate committee has been established to put the federal government's coronavirus response under the microscope.

The Labor-chaired inquiry was approved on Wednesday afternoon as a reduced federal parliament returned to pass the $130 billion JobKeeper wage subsidy plan.

The committee is aimed at filling a void of scrutiny opened after the suspension of parliamentary sittings until August.

The Senate has established a Select Committee on COVID-19 to inquire into the Australian Government's response to the pandemic and any related matters. The Committee is due to present its final report on or before 30 June 2022

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.